NEW LAW PROTECTS KIDS FROM DRUG HOUSES

Allows Police to Rescue At-Risk Children

Touted as the first of its kind in Canada, Alberta legislation taking
effect this week will give the province the power to rescue children
living in homes with serious drug activity.

The Drug-endangered Children Act is the first to identify who is a
drug-endangered child and to require protection for kids exposed to
serious drug involvement, said Children's Services Minister Heather Forsyth.

"These kids are being abused and they need our protection," said Forsyth.

"The issue of children being exposed to the dangers of drug
manufacturing and trafficking is becoming more and more common.

"The Drug-endangered Children Act will ensure we are able to respond
to these situations and keep more children safe."

Under the new law, child intervention caseworkers and police will be
able to rescue and protect children based solely on the fact they are
drug-endangered.

Research has found that drug-endangered children are at high-risk for
chronic respiratory disorders, neurological damage, cancer and
physical, emotional and sexual abuse, said Forsyth.

The new legislation takes effect Wednesaday.

Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, who chairs the Stop Marijuana Grow-op
Coalition, recently visited a former grow-op home in Cranston where
children had been living.

The kids had been exposed to a number of potential health concerns
due to mould, fire hazards, chemicals and venting.

"I really realized when I walked into this house how important this
new legislation is," said Colley-Urquhart

"That's why government needs to step in and protect these children -
they're innocent victims."

Alberta RCMP Cpl. Wayne Oakes also applauded the new law.

"It's one that's viewed as being significant legislation," said Oakes.